The Basics
Arrival
Lambert isn’t the sexiest airport you’ve ever been in, but recent renovations make it perfectly serviceable. It’s about 15-20 minutes to most of the places you’ll want to go. Public transportation is basically non-existent in St. Louis, so plan on getting picked up, taking an Uber, or renting a car.
Lodging
To maximize your time and cut back on commuting, we recommend you stay somewhere central, like Clayton, the Central West End, or Midtown. Check out Our Favorite Hotels in St. Louis for a deeper dive.
Transportation
St. Louis does have public transportation—the Metrolink, busses, the Loop Trolley—it only services a relatively small part of the St. Louis metro area. For a 48 hour trip, ride shares and the Metrolink are your best bet. For longer visits, consider renting a car.
Get Your Culture On
Aside from your list of must-see cultural/tourist attractions, like the The Gateway Arch, Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Saint Louis Zoo, here are more considerations that are slightly off the beaten path.
THE CITY MUSEUM
In its own words, City Museum is an "eclectic mixture of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel." What else do you need to know? Once an old shoe factory, this oddball museum is now a bastion of inspiration and quirky coolness in both the St. Louis art and tourism scenes. Our full review of City Museum can be found here.
KEEP IN MIND
While you’re making your way through the Everyday Circus performers and extensive taxidermy collection, be mindful of the 3rd floor—it’s been home to long-running rumors of hauntings. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but open late (and popular with adults) on Fridays and Saturdays.
BEER, BEER, AND MORE BEER
Unless you live under a rock, you know that Anheuser-Busch was started in St. Louis. You should definitely take their brewery tour, but also take note that the greater St. Louis area has over 60 other breweries. Schlafly, Urban Chestnut, 4Hands, and Side Project are arguably the big four, but you’ll have no problem finding great beer just about anywhere in town.
KEEP IN MIND
Check out the brewery websites for tours so you can plan accordingly. Some sell tickets, some require appointments, etc.
TOWER GROVE FARMERS MARKET
If sipping on a fresh fruit smoothie, browsing locally grown veggies, and free yoga is your idea of a Saturday well-spent, head to the Tower Grove Farmers Market. This friendly market combines farm vendors, food trucks, artisans, free yoga, occasional live music, and a playground for kiddos, all within the beautiful Tower Grove Park. We can’t think of a more perfect place to spend a sunny Saturday morning in fresh produce paradise.
KEEP IN MIND
Vendor prices can be on the higher side but we think it’s worth it for the delicious fresh flavors and welcoming environment.
Still looking for more things to do? Check out some of our other guides, like Where to See Live Music in St. Louis and our 8 Favorite Tourist Spots (Actually Worth Visiting).
Neighborhoods to Stroll
If we had to pick three neighborhoods to hang out in, it'd be the three below. Want to dive deeper? Check out our Olio 8: St. Louis Neighborhoods Guide.
THE GROVE
The glowing neon signs over Manchester Avenue signal that you’ve entered this vibrant, eclectic neighborhood between Vandeventer and Kingshighway. The Grove is home to some great restaurants, a brewery, a tattoo shop, a yoga studio, funky street art and some of the city’s best nightlife, including many LGBT-friendly haunts.
KEEP IN MIND
This area is known for being eclectic and alternative - it’s the host of St. Louis’s annual World Naked Bike Ride, after all - so expect an anything-goes vibe wherever you go.
MAPLEWOOD
This growing neighborhood on the outskirts of the city limits is full of life, character, great boutiques and even better restaurants. You could stop in Penzey’s Spices and Larder and Cupboard to stock up your kitchen, check out the vintage goods at Roots, and then grab a beer and listen to live music at Schlafly Bottleworks.
KEEP IN MIND
Maplewood’s businesses support each other; be on the lookout for special events, like their monthly Coffee Crawl or Sweet Tooth Tour.
UCITY/THE DELMAR LOOP
The pulsing heart of this vibrant neighborhood is the Delmar Loop, considered to be one of the “Great Streets” of America. The Loop gets more fun when the sun sets, when young crowds flock to the varied nightlife, enjoying everything from sports bars to hookah lounges to late-night cookie joints. Take a shameless selfie at the St. Louis Walk of Fame, honoring over 100 great St. Louisans. Or enjoy dinner and a show at Blueberry Hill, a dinner/concert venue that rock legend Chuck Berry put on the map.
KEEP IN MIND
Traffic can be a hassle on Delmar - especially now while the trolley is under construction - so bring your patience and scope out parking lots on Google Maps beforehand.
Dining Out
We have just a few thoughts on dining out in St. Louis. We recommend getting started with our Best Lunch Spots, Best Bars, and The Olio 8 Guide to St. Louis Restaurants.
